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La spia della regina
UNA MISSIONE PERICOLOSA. UN TRADIMENTO IMPERDONABILE. UN SEGRETO NASCOSTO NEI MEANDRI DEL TEMPO.
1584Da poco arrivato in Inghilterra dalla Francia, Tom Lutton, giovane erborista sordomuto, viene ingaggiato come assistente dallo speziale di corte e per una serie di circostanze fortuite entra nelle grazie della sovrana. Donna di acuta intelligenza, Elisabetta I intuisce subito quanto possa rivelarsi utile un domestico che non può parlare né sentire e tuttavia riesce a capire ciò che si dice attorno a lui, e in breve lo trasforma nella sua spia personale. Una fiducia ben riposta, perché Tom scopre ben presto che qualcuno trama nell’ombra per spodestare Elisabetta e insediare sul trono d’Inghilterra la cattolica Maria di Scozia. Ma la vita di corte nasconde mille insidie, e se vuole proteggere se stesso e la donna che ama Tom deve trovare il modo di cautelarsi…
2021Giovane fotoreporter francese di origini libanesi, Mathilde ha sempre viaggiato per il mondo senza mettere radici in nessun posto. È dunque una sorpresa inaspettata apprendere che il padre che lei credeva morto le ha lasciato in eredità un’antica tenuta nel Norfolk… e una famiglia. Non impiega molto a rendersi conto che Lutton Hall, proprio come lei, nasconde dei segreti...segreti che potrebbero gettare una nuova luce non solo sul suo passato, ma anche sul passato dell’Inghilterra.
Riuscirà a scoprire la verità su quello che è successo lì tanti anni prima? E troverà finalmente un posto da chiamare casa? Dopo il successo di Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano, Clare Marchant ci regala una nuova storia appassionante e indimenticabile, che parla di amore, coraggio e tradimento.
1584Da poco arrivato in Inghilterra dalla Francia, Tom Lutton, giovane erborista sordomuto, viene ingaggiato come assistente dallo speziale di corte e per una serie di circostanze fortuite entra nelle grazie della sovrana. Donna di acuta intelligenza, Elisabetta I intuisce subito quanto possa rivelarsi utile un domestico che non può parlare né sentire e tuttavia riesce a capire ciò che si dice attorno a lui, e in breve lo trasforma nella sua spia personale. Una fiducia ben riposta, perché Tom scopre ben presto che qualcuno trama nell’ombra per spodestare Elisabetta e insediare sul trono d’Inghilterra la cattolica Maria di Scozia. Ma la vita di corte nasconde mille insidie, e se vuole proteggere se stesso e la donna che ama Tom deve trovare il modo di cautelarsi…
2021Giovane fotoreporter francese di origini libanesi, Mathilde ha sempre viaggiato per il mondo senza mettere radici in nessun posto. È dunque una sorpresa inaspettata apprendere che il padre che lei credeva morto le ha lasciato in eredità un’antica tenuta nel Norfolk… e una famiglia. Non impiega molto a rendersi conto che Lutton Hall, proprio come lei, nasconde dei segreti...segreti che potrebbero gettare una nuova luce non solo sul suo passato, ma anche sul passato dell’Inghilterra.
Riuscirà a scoprire la verità su quello che è successo lì tanti anni prima? E troverà finalmente un posto da chiamare casa? Dopo il successo di Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano, Clare Marchant ci regala una nuova storia appassionante e indimenticabile, che parla di amore, coraggio e tradimento.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
July 7, 2021
1584: Elizabeth 1st rules England. But a dangerous plot is brewing in court, and Mary Queens of Scots will stop at nothing to take her cousins throne. There's only one thing standing in her way: Tom, the Queens trusted apothecary, who makes the perfect silent spy.
2021: Travelling the globe in her campervan, Mathilde has never belonged anywhere. So when she receives news of an inheritance, she is shocked to discover she has family in England. Just like Mathilde, the medieval hall she inherits conceals secrets and she quickly makes a haunting discovery.
With dual timelines, this is a fascinating story. The Tudors was my favourite past of history lessons, so I was happy to see that this was where part of the book was set. The story centres around Tom Luton, the apothecary assistant to the court of Queen Elizabeth 1st and Mathilde, who inherits Luton Hall. Tom is deaf and mute and he's assigned to be a spy for Lord Washingham.
I liked how this story goes back and forth, linking the findings from Tom to the present day. It's so descriptively written that you could see the homes and the palace in your minds eye. There were some things that weren't historically accurate, but that doesn't matter in a good book. The two timelines connected seamlessly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #ClareMarchant for my ARC of #TheQueensSpy in exchange for an honest review.
2021: Travelling the globe in her campervan, Mathilde has never belonged anywhere. So when she receives news of an inheritance, she is shocked to discover she has family in England. Just like Mathilde, the medieval hall she inherits conceals secrets and she quickly makes a haunting discovery.
With dual timelines, this is a fascinating story. The Tudors was my favourite past of history lessons, so I was happy to see that this was where part of the book was set. The story centres around Tom Luton, the apothecary assistant to the court of Queen Elizabeth 1st and Mathilde, who inherits Luton Hall. Tom is deaf and mute and he's assigned to be a spy for Lord Washingham.
I liked how this story goes back and forth, linking the findings from Tom to the present day. It's so descriptively written that you could see the homes and the palace in your minds eye. There were some things that weren't historically accurate, but that doesn't matter in a good book. The two timelines connected seamlessly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #ClareMarchant for my ARC of #TheQueensSpy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2021
DIDN'T EXCITE ME AS MUCH AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD
I love everything Tudor. Especially Queen Elizabeth I. So I was super excited for this book. Sadly, my expectations were not entirely met. Not to say that this was a bad book. Not by any means. It just didn't do all that much for me.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Tom: Tom is a deaf mute apothecary living in the court of Elizabeth. He is also a spy for the queen's man, Walsingham. It is the recipe for an amazing story. So much new and original, especially with Tom's background. It fascinated me to learn of how he lived and got by. I wanted a lot more of Tom and his story. Actually, I wanted Tom's story to be the only story.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Dual timelines: Sadly, Tom's story is not the only story. We also have Mathilde, whose story takes place in 2021. More about the character Mathilde later, first I want to address the dual timelines of Mathilde and Tom. Because I didn't understand it. It wasn't necessary, if you ask me. Mathilde's story didn't bring anything new to the table. It was pretty much just a walk through of Tom's story, which was much more engaging coming straight from Tom himself.
Mathilde: I didn't get Mathilde as a character. I don't feel like I ever got to know her. I know nothing about her thoughts, her desires, her wishes or her motivations. I felt like Marchant never let us peak into Mathilde's mind. It was more telling than showing, time and time again.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I love everything Tudor. Especially Queen Elizabeth I. So I was super excited for this book. Sadly, my expectations were not entirely met. Not to say that this was a bad book. Not by any means. It just didn't do all that much for me.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Tom: Tom is a deaf mute apothecary living in the court of Elizabeth. He is also a spy for the queen's man, Walsingham. It is the recipe for an amazing story. So much new and original, especially with Tom's background. It fascinated me to learn of how he lived and got by. I wanted a lot more of Tom and his story. Actually, I wanted Tom's story to be the only story.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Dual timelines: Sadly, Tom's story is not the only story. We also have Mathilde, whose story takes place in 2021. More about the character Mathilde later, first I want to address the dual timelines of Mathilde and Tom. Because I didn't understand it. It wasn't necessary, if you ask me. Mathilde's story didn't bring anything new to the table. It was pretty much just a walk through of Tom's story, which was much more engaging coming straight from Tom himself.
Mathilde: I didn't get Mathilde as a character. I don't feel like I ever got to know her. I know nothing about her thoughts, her desires, her wishes or her motivations. I felt like Marchant never let us peak into Mathilde's mind. It was more telling than showing, time and time again.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 15 Bookworm Problems
August 13, 2021
⭐⭐
This is a hard review for me to write. It wasn't a BAD book by any means, but I also felt like something was missing. It just didn't WOW me. 🤷🏻♀️ I didn't particularly like Mathilde, and honestly didn't feel like her storyline added anything interesting to the plot. Tom's was definitely the more engaging of the two. However, even his storyline just plodded along without a lot of excitement. The romance was underdeveloped as well. This one just didn't hit the mark as much as I was hoping it would. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This is a hard review for me to write. It wasn't a BAD book by any means, but I also felt like something was missing. It just didn't WOW me. 🤷🏻♀️ I didn't particularly like Mathilde, and honestly didn't feel like her storyline added anything interesting to the plot. Tom's was definitely the more engaging of the two. However, even his storyline just plodded along without a lot of excitement. The romance was underdeveloped as well. This one just didn't hit the mark as much as I was hoping it would. 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
May 6, 2021
Having read Clare’s debut last year, The Secrets of Saffron Hall (buy it immediately if you haven’t read it) I jumped at the chance to read an early review copy of her second novel. I already have it on pre-order so am looking forward to having the actual book in my forever collection.
Saffron Hall was my number one book of 2020, and I had a feeling book two would not disappoint. It didn’t. Clare has produced another enthralling, page turning book of exquisiteness and I absolutely loved it!
Again, Clare has written this historical fiction novel along a dual timeline.
The historical element gives us a very satisfactory conclusion to what happened to Eleanor and Tom after they fled England at the end of Saffron Hall. What a cliffhanger that was! Tom who is deaf and mute, moves back to England from France in 1584 and finds himself working as an assistant to the Queen’s apothecary, having learned his craft from his adoptive mother, Eleanor. The Queen’s spymaster, Walsingham, soon sees the benefit of Tom’s lip reading abilities and he is made to spy for the Queen. The Babington plot is under way to remove Elizabeth from the throne and replace her with the Catholic Queen Mary. One of Tom’s only personal belongings is a triptych which is a 3 part painting he is completing with snippets of his life.
The present day part is set in 2021 where Mathilde receives a solicitor’s letter urgently summoning her from her converted ambulance moving home to Lutton Hall Norfolk. Mathilde has lived alone and on the road, selling her photographs to make her living, since her mother died when Mathilde was only 16. She has always longed for a proper family. When she arrives at Lutton Hall she is astounded to find she has a half sister, a niece and an Aunt and Uncle waiting for her. Her father, whom she thought had died when she was a baby, had actually been searching for her all of her life but had sadly just died without ever finding her. He left Lutton Hall to Mathilde in his will in the hope that his solicitor would find her. She initially thinks she will stay a short while and sell the property, but when she finds the Triptych on a wall in the chapel behind a boarded up wall, she becomes determined to find out who painted it and the story behind it.
The past and present story lines are equally as enjoyable. The characters are developed extremely well, the plot intertwines perfectly, the research into the historical part is obviously thoroughly completed and I didn’t want it to end! Although the conclusion to both parts in extremely satisfying. It’s going to take me a few days to pick up another book as I’m still living in the worlds of Tom and Mathilde.
I can’t recommend Clare’s books highly enough.
Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book in return for a review.
Saffron Hall was my number one book of 2020, and I had a feeling book two would not disappoint. It didn’t. Clare has produced another enthralling, page turning book of exquisiteness and I absolutely loved it!
Again, Clare has written this historical fiction novel along a dual timeline.
The historical element gives us a very satisfactory conclusion to what happened to Eleanor and Tom after they fled England at the end of Saffron Hall. What a cliffhanger that was! Tom who is deaf and mute, moves back to England from France in 1584 and finds himself working as an assistant to the Queen’s apothecary, having learned his craft from his adoptive mother, Eleanor. The Queen’s spymaster, Walsingham, soon sees the benefit of Tom’s lip reading abilities and he is made to spy for the Queen. The Babington plot is under way to remove Elizabeth from the throne and replace her with the Catholic Queen Mary. One of Tom’s only personal belongings is a triptych which is a 3 part painting he is completing with snippets of his life.
The present day part is set in 2021 where Mathilde receives a solicitor’s letter urgently summoning her from her converted ambulance moving home to Lutton Hall Norfolk. Mathilde has lived alone and on the road, selling her photographs to make her living, since her mother died when Mathilde was only 16. She has always longed for a proper family. When she arrives at Lutton Hall she is astounded to find she has a half sister, a niece and an Aunt and Uncle waiting for her. Her father, whom she thought had died when she was a baby, had actually been searching for her all of her life but had sadly just died without ever finding her. He left Lutton Hall to Mathilde in his will in the hope that his solicitor would find her. She initially thinks she will stay a short while and sell the property, but when she finds the Triptych on a wall in the chapel behind a boarded up wall, she becomes determined to find out who painted it and the story behind it.
The past and present story lines are equally as enjoyable. The characters are developed extremely well, the plot intertwines perfectly, the research into the historical part is obviously thoroughly completed and I didn’t want it to end! Although the conclusion to both parts in extremely satisfying. It’s going to take me a few days to pick up another book as I’m still living in the worlds of Tom and Mathilde.
I can’t recommend Clare’s books highly enough.
Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book in return for a review.
May 23, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
The Queen Spy was a enjoyable read. I hardly read historical fiction I have to find the ones that I would like. This book did not disappoint me. 4 star
Happy Reading
Lisa
The Queen Spy was a enjoyable read. I hardly read historical fiction I have to find the ones that I would like. This book did not disappoint me. 4 star
Happy Reading
Lisa
December 18, 2023
El error ha sido mío. Pensé que era una novela histórica y me he encontrado con una historia a dos tiempos, con una trama ambientada en en tiempos de Isabel I, y la otra de una fotógrafa que hereda de repente una mansión medieval que conecta con los hechos del pasado.
Me ha dejado un poco fría, aunque realmente no puedo explicar el por qué...
Me ha dejado un poco fría, aunque realmente no puedo explicar el por qué...
May 28, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I will read more of her books. It is set in two different timelines and slowly the story unfolds.
I liked the fact that Tom made his way in a world while not being able to speak or hear. His journey was really interesting to read. Mathilde was in a lot of ways also someone who stood apart from the world and the people around her. Both characters were centuries apart but very similar in ways.
I recommend this book.
I liked the fact that Tom made his way in a world while not being able to speak or hear. His journey was really interesting to read. Mathilde was in a lot of ways also someone who stood apart from the world and the people around her. Both characters were centuries apart but very similar in ways.
I recommend this book.
July 8, 2021
Clare Marchant, you’ve done it again-Another brilliant dual timeline historical fiction that brings history to life. Tom has completely stolen my heart - I adored his story and loved how it intertwined with that of Mathilde. Both such brilliant, engaging and interesting characters, and I loved seeing how the story moved on from Eleanor and Saffron Hall. The historical detail is amazing and the descriptions of Elizabethan England so vivid and rich that it made the whole story come alive.
May 30, 2021
I finished The Queen’s Spy after 10 long days of reading. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me— which was disappointing because I was super excited about it, especially because I love everything surrounding Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I.
Several things annoyed me. First, Mathilde’s sudden changes of heart at the beginning of the book. Sometimes she just suddenly changed her mind about things without any previous build up, not a hint, nothing. It hardly made sense.
Now let’s talk about the love interests. I had to roll my eyes at Oliver’s AND Isabel’s introductions. Everything was so obvious for the both of them. Mathilde meets Oliver, he says 5 sentences total and here is Mathilde, shocked to be "smiling" after his departure... When she’s known him for 25 minutes. It was not subtle at all and the problem remained all along the development of their relationship. It was the exact same thing with Isabel and Tom. They exchange 2 glances, she says 3 words to him and voilà. I don’t know, I can usually enjoy the soulmates / love at first sight trope, but in this case it was so obvious it became irritating.
The writing repeatedly threw me off— both the syntax and punctuation seemed weird to me in several sentences. Some descriptions sounded tortuous and convoluted for no real reason, which made the reading process arduous. I can’t begin to count the amount of sentences that were 5-6 lines long without a single comma in sight... I also spotted Mathilde written as MathildA.
The pace was incredibly slow, mainly relying on descriptions of events and thoughts rather than action itself, which tends to bother me. 30% in, I realized absolutely nothing had happened. It took me a lifetime to get through. Once halfway through the book, it got slightly better but still not enough for me to be invested. Even the "investigation" on Mathilde’s side and the spy work on Tom’s weren’t really intriguing, and the ending was somehow anticlimactic.
I think this book had a lot of potential but it unfortunately failed to grab my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
Several things annoyed me. First, Mathilde’s sudden changes of heart at the beginning of the book. Sometimes she just suddenly changed her mind about things without any previous build up, not a hint, nothing. It hardly made sense.
Now let’s talk about the love interests. I had to roll my eyes at Oliver’s AND Isabel’s introductions. Everything was so obvious for the both of them. Mathilde meets Oliver, he says 5 sentences total and here is Mathilde, shocked to be "smiling" after his departure... When she’s known him for 25 minutes. It was not subtle at all and the problem remained all along the development of their relationship. It was the exact same thing with Isabel and Tom. They exchange 2 glances, she says 3 words to him and voilà. I don’t know, I can usually enjoy the soulmates / love at first sight trope, but in this case it was so obvious it became irritating.
The writing repeatedly threw me off— both the syntax and punctuation seemed weird to me in several sentences. Some descriptions sounded tortuous and convoluted for no real reason, which made the reading process arduous. I can’t begin to count the amount of sentences that were 5-6 lines long without a single comma in sight... I also spotted Mathilde written as MathildA.
The pace was incredibly slow, mainly relying on descriptions of events and thoughts rather than action itself, which tends to bother me. 30% in, I realized absolutely nothing had happened. It took me a lifetime to get through. Once halfway through the book, it got slightly better but still not enough for me to be invested. Even the "investigation" on Mathilde’s side and the spy work on Tom’s weren’t really intriguing, and the ending was somehow anticlimactic.
I think this book had a lot of potential but it unfortunately failed to grab my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
May 29, 2021
A deaf and mute Elizabethan male apothecary spies for the Queen!
Of all historical fiction, the Tudor period is my favourite. My vacations include traipsing all over England visiting castles and manor homes. I’ve even had a costumed dinner in a castle!
Everything during this time period is so volatile and precarious as the country’s religion changes with each successive monarch. Marchant was inspired by this intrigue and conspiracy, and it shows in her writing. She has penned an equally compelling dual timeline set in 1584 and 2021. I eagerly read to see how the timelines would fuse and was amazed at how Marchant pulled them together so effortlessly. She admits to being fascinated by connections and in a recent interview shared that “everything, every place and every person has a connection and it’s the interweaving of time, people and artefacts that inspire me.” I’m so excited that a new author to me can bring the Tudor period to life. Before finishing this book, I bought her backlist!
The key to this tale’s success is that Marchant wrote about her favourite era and set it in her home county. The passion is evident in her descriptions of the evocative landscape, the stately manors of Norfolk and the court of Elizabeth I.
You’ll love the clever presentation of the parallels between the main characters of each timeline. Although separated by 500 years, a shared experience binds them. Each character in this tale is useful in propelling the plot and that helps keep a taught story. The rich and multi-dimensional characters are well crafted.
Although this tale has heartbreaking moments, it’s primarily a historical fiction read with a splash of mystery. Uncovering the secrets of the past will propel you through this captivating story about a perilous mission, an unforgivable betrayal and a secret lost in time.
Publishes July 8, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Clare Marchant, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Of all historical fiction, the Tudor period is my favourite. My vacations include traipsing all over England visiting castles and manor homes. I’ve even had a costumed dinner in a castle!
Everything during this time period is so volatile and precarious as the country’s religion changes with each successive monarch. Marchant was inspired by this intrigue and conspiracy, and it shows in her writing. She has penned an equally compelling dual timeline set in 1584 and 2021. I eagerly read to see how the timelines would fuse and was amazed at how Marchant pulled them together so effortlessly. She admits to being fascinated by connections and in a recent interview shared that “everything, every place and every person has a connection and it’s the interweaving of time, people and artefacts that inspire me.” I’m so excited that a new author to me can bring the Tudor period to life. Before finishing this book, I bought her backlist!
The key to this tale’s success is that Marchant wrote about her favourite era and set it in her home county. The passion is evident in her descriptions of the evocative landscape, the stately manors of Norfolk and the court of Elizabeth I.
You’ll love the clever presentation of the parallels between the main characters of each timeline. Although separated by 500 years, a shared experience binds them. Each character in this tale is useful in propelling the plot and that helps keep a taught story. The rich and multi-dimensional characters are well crafted.
Although this tale has heartbreaking moments, it’s primarily a historical fiction read with a splash of mystery. Uncovering the secrets of the past will propel you through this captivating story about a perilous mission, an unforgivable betrayal and a secret lost in time.
Publishes July 8, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Clare Marchant, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 24, 2021
The writing style is immaculate in terms of setting up a vivid historical scene and describing the scenery. We follow two protagonists, one in 1580s and one in 2021. The current day one is Mathilde, a photographer, who is reunited with her estranged family after her father's death. We get to see her emotional turmoil on coming to terms with not knowing her father when he was alive, her mother struggling to raise her alone, and struggling to identify with her sister and other family members. The bond with Mathilde and her niece Fleur was very sweet. I didn't like the "romance" between Mathilde and the historian guy, it felt unnecessary and rushed. There's an element of supernatural suspense as Mathilde feels someone is watching her and she sees weird dreams (which are scenes from Tom's life in the 1580s). This was never explained.
As for Tom, the apothecary who is forced to spy for Queen Elizabeth I, I thought his arc had potential but wasn't executed. The book is titled The Queen's Spy, but there are only 3-4 scenes of him actually doing spy work. Most of his story revolves around a romance, which I didn't care for at all (it was like love at first sight and wasn't developed well). It was interesting to see a deaf and mute protagonist, especially in a historical setting.
As for Tom, the apothecary who is forced to spy for Queen Elizabeth I, I thought his arc had potential but wasn't executed. The book is titled The Queen's Spy, but there are only 3-4 scenes of him actually doing spy work. Most of his story revolves around a romance, which I didn't care for at all (it was like love at first sight and wasn't developed well). It was interesting to see a deaf and mute protagonist, especially in a historical setting.
July 8, 2021
I loved her previous book The Saffron Cottage but, this one didn’t excite me as much. I found it rather slow and plodding so my attention did wander at times. Maybe I set my expectations too high. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
Iets minder dan zijn voorganger "saffron hall", maar nog steeds een vlot en aangenaam te lezen past - present verhaal.
Ideaal om te ontspannen.
Ideaal om te ontspannen.
July 19, 2021
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read Clare Marchant’s debut The Secrets of Saffron Hall last month and loved it so I hoped this one would live up to my expectations.
I’m pleased to say that Clare Marchant didn’t disappoint with this book. There’s always that pressure to be as good as your debut and Clare has delivered a story that is oozing with history and memorable characters.
I was so pleased to see the return of Tom from Clare’s first book. Whilst he featured as a secondary character in Saffron Hall he was one of my favourites. In The Queen’s Spy we meet Tom as an adult and learn what happened to him and Eleanor when they fled England. I loved that he had learnt so many apothecary skills from Eleanor and found a way to communicate despite being deaf and mute.
Historical fiction has got to be up there as one of my top genres to read but when a book is set during the Elizabethan era then my inner geek comes out as I love that period! Anything to do with Henry VIII or his children’s rule will always grab my attention. Tom’s role in helping to keep Queen Elizabeth on the throne was very interesting, his disability was seen as an advantage and although he suffered a lot of heartbreak I was pleased with how his story played out.
The likeness between Mathilde and Tom was uncanny. As soon as we learnt more of Mathilde’s back story you could see that these two characters were connected by more than just blood. Mathilde had my upmost sympathy for her start in life and the situation she came to at Lutton Hall. I could understand her confusion and the hurt but by the end of the story I felt she had found a true connection with the house and those around her.
With a dual timeline that cleverly weaves past and present together, the final conclusion is both satisfying and brilliantly executed. I wanted to solve the mystery of the triptych and the hidden message but I also didn’t want the story to end.
I’m pleased to say that Clare Marchant didn’t disappoint with this book. There’s always that pressure to be as good as your debut and Clare has delivered a story that is oozing with history and memorable characters.
I was so pleased to see the return of Tom from Clare’s first book. Whilst he featured as a secondary character in Saffron Hall he was one of my favourites. In The Queen’s Spy we meet Tom as an adult and learn what happened to him and Eleanor when they fled England. I loved that he had learnt so many apothecary skills from Eleanor and found a way to communicate despite being deaf and mute.
Historical fiction has got to be up there as one of my top genres to read but when a book is set during the Elizabethan era then my inner geek comes out as I love that period! Anything to do with Henry VIII or his children’s rule will always grab my attention. Tom’s role in helping to keep Queen Elizabeth on the throne was very interesting, his disability was seen as an advantage and although he suffered a lot of heartbreak I was pleased with how his story played out.
The likeness between Mathilde and Tom was uncanny. As soon as we learnt more of Mathilde’s back story you could see that these two characters were connected by more than just blood. Mathilde had my upmost sympathy for her start in life and the situation she came to at Lutton Hall. I could understand her confusion and the hurt but by the end of the story I felt she had found a true connection with the house and those around her.
With a dual timeline that cleverly weaves past and present together, the final conclusion is both satisfying and brilliantly executed. I wanted to solve the mystery of the triptych and the hidden message but I also didn’t want the story to end.
July 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this audiobook it's just the sort of dual timeline book that I love! I loved both the present day and Elizabethan timelines as Tom and Mathilde were very likeable characters. I loved listening to the descriptions of Tom as he made lotions and potions in his apothecary work, and worried for him as he became one of the Queen's spies. I loved Mathilde straight away and hoped she would stay in Norfolk, instead of rushing away in her camper-van to her nomadic existence as a photo journalistic. Just like in The Secrets of Saffron Hall there's a great mystery at the heart of this story and I loved how once again Clare Marchant weaved the two storylines together to reveal it all at the end. The narration by Alex Hogg and Russell Bentley was excellent, giving me two new narrators to add my to ever expanding list. Highly recommended if you love historical fiction.
July 9, 2021
'The Queen's Spy' is an enjoyable dual timeline novel with interesting characters. I liked the supernatural elements experienced by Mathilde in the present day when she found out that she'd inherited a gorgeous ancestral home, and reading about Tom in the Tudor court where every day was filled with risk and intrigue. I felt invested in both characters and enjoyed following their stories and finding out how they were linked. Excellently researched and beautifully written. 5 stars!
June 23, 2021
After reading the book. I was left in a so - so mentally about the book.I was a bit off balance from the transfer between the past and present of the book.
July 10, 2021
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
2.5 stars
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it wasn't what I found.
Here we have two stories that intertwine in various and very interesting ways.
What I liked the most about this book was how the author managed to implement Tom's story in a historic moment, so much so that I don't even know (even knowing and liking a lot about the Tudor's Reign) if Tom's story is real or not, if not congratulations to the author because she managed very well to put his story in the book to the point of looking like it actually happened.
So for me the historical part of this book was very well done and what I liked the most.
Now the plot of the two stories not so much, I think I don't like stories that intersect each other very much, when the story of the present is just about finding out what happened in the past, because it gets kind of repetitive, since we're seeing the same story just for two different points of view.
But this book has short chapters which makes the book a very quick read.
The romances in this book, I found very instalove and lacked development in both of them for me. In the end it's not a bad book, it's actually very good, but I think there's a very specific audience that will like this book, so I recommend reading several reviews and the synopsis if you're interested, give it a chance because it's worth it.
2.5 stars
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it wasn't what I found.
Here we have two stories that intertwine in various and very interesting ways.
What I liked the most about this book was how the author managed to implement Tom's story in a historic moment, so much so that I don't even know (even knowing and liking a lot about the Tudor's Reign) if Tom's story is real or not, if not congratulations to the author because she managed very well to put his story in the book to the point of looking like it actually happened.
So for me the historical part of this book was very well done and what I liked the most.
Now the plot of the two stories not so much, I think I don't like stories that intersect each other very much, when the story of the present is just about finding out what happened in the past, because it gets kind of repetitive, since we're seeing the same story just for two different points of view.
But this book has short chapters which makes the book a very quick read.
The romances in this book, I found very instalove and lacked development in both of them for me. In the end it's not a bad book, it's actually very good, but I think there's a very specific audience that will like this book, so I recommend reading several reviews and the synopsis if you're interested, give it a chance because it's worth it.
August 10, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I find the Tudor period fascinating, so I jumped at the chance to read The Queen's Spy. I also am a huge fan of authors embedding their characters in the middle of historical events; this really grounds the narrative and brings authenticity to the work. I was so pleased to find this happening in TQS.
Some of the things that really stood out to me were; Tom. Oh, Tom. I found his whole story completely absorbing. I actually wish we'd just had a standalone Tom book because honestly, to me, it really outshone the other timeline. It was rich in history and character development. I really felt like I was standing alongside Tom as he carried out his work. Another thing was the thought and research that has clearly gone in to portraying this time period - flawless. I could visualise everything.
Not so great to me was the second timeline. I'm usually a fan of dual timelines (think Kate Morton), but I really struggled to get on with Mathilde. She was incredibly closed off to those around her including the reader. I found her to be an inaccessible protagonist and because of that I will admit that I found myself skimming through her chapters.
All in all, it's a 3.5 from me.
Is it rereadable? Yes. For Tom.
I find the Tudor period fascinating, so I jumped at the chance to read The Queen's Spy. I also am a huge fan of authors embedding their characters in the middle of historical events; this really grounds the narrative and brings authenticity to the work. I was so pleased to find this happening in TQS.
Some of the things that really stood out to me were; Tom. Oh, Tom. I found his whole story completely absorbing. I actually wish we'd just had a standalone Tom book because honestly, to me, it really outshone the other timeline. It was rich in history and character development. I really felt like I was standing alongside Tom as he carried out his work. Another thing was the thought and research that has clearly gone in to portraying this time period - flawless. I could visualise everything.
Not so great to me was the second timeline. I'm usually a fan of dual timelines (think Kate Morton), but I really struggled to get on with Mathilde. She was incredibly closed off to those around her including the reader. I found her to be an inaccessible protagonist and because of that I will admit that I found myself skimming through her chapters.
All in all, it's a 3.5 from me.
Is it rereadable? Yes. For Tom.
July 8, 2021
I loved her previous book but, found this one difficult to read. It was plodding and slow so my attention did wander at times. Not my cup of tea. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2022
A unique historical novel full of intrigue, with characters that are entertaining and well developed. Overall, an entertaining story from beginning to end.
July 19, 2021
Definitely one of the best books that I have read this year. The storyline was completely new, unlike any other that I have read before.....which was quite refreshing. (Its a dual story line set in different era's.)
Definitely one of the best books that I have read this year. The storyline was completely new, unlike any other that I have read before.....which was quite refreshing. (Its a dual story line set in different era's.) In 1584 one Tom Lutton who is mute and deaf travels to England from France in search of an job. He gets appointed as the Queen's apothecary and in time gets noticed by Her Majesty's spymaster Walsingham, all because of his ability to lip-read. He is sent on dangerous mission of uncovering an assassination attempt upon the queen. This mission changes his life, by giving him something that he had always yearned for to snatching it away within a few months.
In the year of 2020, Matilda, a traveler from France receives a letter to travel to England immediately. Believing herself to be an orphan with no family in the world is surprised to find a sister and an aunt along with her father who spent maximum of his life in search of her and then left her with the ancestral family home Lutton Hall. Other than the family, she is also greeted by a spirit in the hall who haunts her day and night making her discover ancestral secrets.
The author has beautifully entwined the past with the present. The storyline is set during the Babington plot which had led to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. Evidently a lot of research has been done in the writing of this book because a lot of events co-relate with the actual events that took place. Even though an appropriate back story of the main characters was given, I couldn't connect with Matilda's story as much as I was able to do so with Tom. His raw emotions, eagerness drew me towards him. It also has a cliffhanger but the ending is not only satisfying but also soothing. I would, in all my entirety highly recommend this book.
Definitely one of the best books that I have read this year. The storyline was completely new, unlike any other that I have read before.....which was quite refreshing. (Its a dual story line set in different era's.) In 1584 one Tom Lutton who is mute and deaf travels to England from France in search of an job. He gets appointed as the Queen's apothecary and in time gets noticed by Her Majesty's spymaster Walsingham, all because of his ability to lip-read. He is sent on dangerous mission of uncovering an assassination attempt upon the queen. This mission changes his life, by giving him something that he had always yearned for to snatching it away within a few months.
In the year of 2020, Matilda, a traveler from France receives a letter to travel to England immediately. Believing herself to be an orphan with no family in the world is surprised to find a sister and an aunt along with her father who spent maximum of his life in search of her and then left her with the ancestral family home Lutton Hall. Other than the family, she is also greeted by a spirit in the hall who haunts her day and night making her discover ancestral secrets.
The author has beautifully entwined the past with the present. The storyline is set during the Babington plot which had led to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. Evidently a lot of research has been done in the writing of this book because a lot of events co-relate with the actual events that took place. Even though an appropriate back story of the main characters was given, I couldn't connect with Matilda's story as much as I was able to do so with Tom. His raw emotions, eagerness drew me towards him. It also has a cliffhanger but the ending is not only satisfying but also soothing. I would, in all my entirety highly recommend this book.
July 8, 2021
With The Queen's Spy Clare Marchant has written another fabulous 5 star read.
The story follows Tom (those of you who have read Saffron Hall will recognise him as Eleanor's ward) who is assistant apothecary in the queen's place. Tom, who is deaf and mute, is often overlooked but this works to his advantage when he is called upon to spy for the queen. I was swept away with this story & didn't want to put it down. The writing very cleverly focuses on smells & feeling when in Tom's sections really bringing home how the world around him felt without the noises of busy London & palace life. The modern sections bring parallels between Tom's & Mathilde's lives, with the modern story helping drive forward the historical element.
This novel works completely as a standalone but for me, having read & loved Saffron Hall, it was a real bonus to hear what had happened to Eleanor through Tom's revelations (I'd also like to think I might have spotted a little cameo from Amber too, but it could be me overthinking things 😂).
This is wonderfully approachable historical fiction, totally immersive & I only hope there is more to come.
The story follows Tom (those of you who have read Saffron Hall will recognise him as Eleanor's ward) who is assistant apothecary in the queen's place. Tom, who is deaf and mute, is often overlooked but this works to his advantage when he is called upon to spy for the queen. I was swept away with this story & didn't want to put it down. The writing very cleverly focuses on smells & feeling when in Tom's sections really bringing home how the world around him felt without the noises of busy London & palace life. The modern sections bring parallels between Tom's & Mathilde's lives, with the modern story helping drive forward the historical element.
This novel works completely as a standalone but for me, having read & loved Saffron Hall, it was a real bonus to hear what had happened to Eleanor through Tom's revelations (I'd also like to think I might have spotted a little cameo from Amber too, but it could be me overthinking things 😂).
This is wonderfully approachable historical fiction, totally immersive & I only hope there is more to come.
August 29, 2021
It was a great idea
Yes the idea of the plot was good. I found the characters to be one dimensional. I do know this is a book but I prefer when the author can add personality and depth. Some scenes were a tad patchy and disjointed but as a relatively new author I
am confident there will be improvement in future work. The ending was hurried and I feel like something else was needed . It wasn’t satisfying in my opinion. . I read a lot, between 25-30 books a month. I particularly enjoy English authors and historical stories. Their style of writing and word usage is different to American authors and I’m comfortable with the style. After saying that I found some of the sentence structures this author used to be different. On a number of occasions I actually physically diagramed some of the sentences in this story. I am not a nut case about pointing out errors. This was a professionally published book with errors that should have been caught before release. The mixing of past, present or future tenses (a number of times) in relation to one action drove me bonkers. Instead of an editor invest in a good proofreader or even advanced readers that will usually volunteer if they like your work. Rather than enjoying an author telling a good story I spent entirely too much time sighing in frustration. I looked back at numerous reviews and wondered if I read the same book.
Yes the idea of the plot was good. I found the characters to be one dimensional. I do know this is a book but I prefer when the author can add personality and depth. Some scenes were a tad patchy and disjointed but as a relatively new author I
am confident there will be improvement in future work. The ending was hurried and I feel like something else was needed . It wasn’t satisfying in my opinion. . I read a lot, between 25-30 books a month. I particularly enjoy English authors and historical stories. Their style of writing and word usage is different to American authors and I’m comfortable with the style. After saying that I found some of the sentence structures this author used to be different. On a number of occasions I actually physically diagramed some of the sentences in this story. I am not a nut case about pointing out errors. This was a professionally published book with errors that should have been caught before release. The mixing of past, present or future tenses (a number of times) in relation to one action drove me bonkers. Instead of an editor invest in a good proofreader or even advanced readers that will usually volunteer if they like your work. Rather than enjoying an author telling a good story I spent entirely too much time sighing in frustration. I looked back at numerous reviews and wondered if I read the same book.
May 11, 2021
First thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story centers on two characters over two different timelines. They intertwine but I found I was far more interested in Tom's story than in Mathilde's. I found the story to be original in its subject matter but hard as I might, couldn't connect well with it.
A solid 3.5 stars.
The story centers on two characters over two different timelines. They intertwine but I found I was far more interested in Tom's story than in Mathilde's. I found the story to be original in its subject matter but hard as I might, couldn't connect well with it.
A solid 3.5 stars.
April 18, 2023
Loved this book. It is so different from the other historical novels of this era. It's nice to see a different side of life in Queen Elizabeth's court. You have to empathize with the characters for the difficulties they face in life. Highly recommend this book.
May 3, 2024
This is an amazing book. I fell like so much things happenin a super shorth période of time, but then the end just comes together perfectly. I loved it
October 20, 2024
Interesante novela que combina pasado y presente. Entretenidas sin más, tanto la parte histórica como la del presente.
January 4, 2022
Let me start with the cover - it is stunning! Kudos to the cover designer for this one.
I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially those across various era and kingdoms all around the world. The Queen's Spy dallies between the Tudor period and present era. This one specifically fascinates me - the cold war between cousins - Queen Elizabeth I and Mary of Scots.
Clare Marchant begins her story in 1584, about a displaced man, Tom Sutton, scurrying from place to place for work and shelter. He had the talents of a herbalist/pharmacist and the disability of being deaf and mute. How and what he does for the Queen makes for an inimitable plot. The other track is in Norfolk in 2021 and talks about Mathilde, another displaced soul, similar to Tom. She finds her long lost family and a special heritage in her inheritance that changes her life.
I must say that Marchant has done a stellar job with the research - bits of history, anecdotes, costumes and mannerisms of the Tudor period were a treat to read. The story progressed well and climaxed as expected. It was an interesting read and I'm looking forward to more from the author.
*I received an advance review copy from Netgalley UK
I'm a fan of historical fiction, especially those across various era and kingdoms all around the world. The Queen's Spy dallies between the Tudor period and present era. This one specifically fascinates me - the cold war between cousins - Queen Elizabeth I and Mary of Scots.
Clare Marchant begins her story in 1584, about a displaced man, Tom Sutton, scurrying from place to place for work and shelter. He had the talents of a herbalist/pharmacist and the disability of being deaf and mute. How and what he does for the Queen makes for an inimitable plot. The other track is in Norfolk in 2021 and talks about Mathilde, another displaced soul, similar to Tom. She finds her long lost family and a special heritage in her inheritance that changes her life.
I must say that Marchant has done a stellar job with the research - bits of history, anecdotes, costumes and mannerisms of the Tudor period were a treat to read. The story progressed well and climaxed as expected. It was an interesting read and I'm looking forward to more from the author.
*I received an advance review copy from Netgalley UK
August 20, 2024
Het is aan te raden om eerst het boek 'de geheimen van saffron hall' te gaan lezen.
Het is niet perse noodzakelijk, maar het heeft geen/weinig zin om dat boek ba deze te lezen. Dit boek heeft meerdere keren een verwijzing naar de vorige.
Dus als je ze beide wilt lezen begin dan bij de andere!
Het is niet perse noodzakelijk, maar het heeft geen/weinig zin om dat boek ba deze te lezen. Dit boek heeft meerdere keren een verwijzing naar de vorige.
Dus als je ze beide wilt lezen begin dan bij de andere!
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